Internationally known Brazilian actress Sonia Braga was born on June 8, 1950 in the exotic and lush city of Maringa, Parana, Brazil. She instantly became a household name in Brazil when she appeared on the 1975 Brazilian telenovela entitled Gabriela, which was based on Jorge Amado's book, Gabriela, Cravo e Canela. She made another remarkable performance in a second adaptation of Jorge Amado's Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands) in 1976. She then made notable appearances in several Brazilian blockbuster films such as A Dama do Lotacao (The Bus Lady) in 1978 and Eu Te Amo (I Love You) in 1981.
Sonia Braga was able to break in to the mainstream global market with her 1983 title role in the film Gabriela, which is a feature-length adaptation of Jorge Amado's novel. Braga played the role of a beautiful mulatto girl, Gabriela, who was able to transform the lives of many local inhabitants. This became Braga's stepping stone to Hollywood stardom, and she consequently appeared in American films such as the Kiss of the Spider Woman and Angel Eyes. She has also appeared on various American TV series such as Alias, CSI, Sex and the City, The Cosby Show, and Ghost Whisperer.